Cross Roads

Steele Ridge: The Blackwells #3

by Tracey Devlyn

When a hacker-turned-recovery agent sets out to prove a mysterious artist isn’t who she claims to be, he uncovers decades-old secrets and discovers a far deadlier truth than he expected.

In this explosive, enemies-to-lovers third installment of the Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series, USA Today bestselling author Tracey Devlyn sweeps readers into a world of cyberterrorism, art theft, and a passionate journey of two loners finding each other.

Cybersecurity expert Rohan Blackwell left his fellow hackers in the Collective behind to focus on the family business. But when an unusually fruitless background check on a potential contractor coincides with a savage cyberattack, he can’t help but suspect that the two events are connected. Determined to ferret out the beautiful artist’s real story, Rohan soon finds himself distracted by more than her secrets.

Hard work and quick thinking pulled Lena Kamber out of a difficult past and into a successful fine arts reproduction studio. Then disturbing visions of her childhood begin to surface, and she senses malevolent eyes on her at every turn. Add to that, a gorgeous stranger inadvertently helps a burglar steal her latest high-profile commission, a million-dollar painting. With her beloved career on the verge of collapse, Lena turns to a reluctant Rohan to help her recover the stolen artwork.

As Rohan and Lena draw closer to the truth—and each other—the stakes get higher, the bodies pile up, and the two loners unite to stop a vengeful cyberterrorist from destroying a future they have only just begun to imagine.

Genres: Suspense, Romance, Romantic Suspense

464 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2023

About the author

Tracey Devlyn is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and historical suspense, which often contains elements of mystery, romance, and environmental crime.

Despite the thrilling, emotional ride she crafts for her readers, Tracey enjoys an annoyingly normal lifestyle with her husband and rescue dog at her home in the mountains of North Carolina.

For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at https://TraceyDevlyn.com.

Readers can buy books direct at Tracey's online bookshop and get early access to new releases at discounted prices - https://payhip.com/TraceyDevlynBookshop.

Reviews

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. I felt like I got three books in one with a thread bringing them all together at the end. Rohan has always been the cyber security guru of the Blackwell family, and guarded their intricate system of databases, money, etc. The Blackwells need someone to paint a copy of an original painting that no one could tell it was a fake. This led to Lena who was such an expert at creating paintings that most people could not tell were forgeries. Lena’s life as a child had a horrible history that she always tried to repress. But it had led her to being an excellent painter. I was glad Rohan had to work with her regarding the painting as he never had a social life. Rohan and Lena were attracted to each other and had so many twists and turns in their lives, and even intersected a couple of times. It was scary how Rohan’s past came back to try to ruin him and she’s family. If you love books that are suspenseful, mysterious, and romantic you will love this book like I did. I strongly encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross Roads takes readers back to Steel Ridge with the third book in Tracey Devlyn and Adrienne Giordano's Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series! This time it's cybersecurity expert Rohan Blackwell and artist Lena Kamber's turn in the hot seat ;)

Rohan and Lena start out fairly antagonistic--not a true enemies-to-lovers, but these two definitely give each other a whole lot of suspicious side-eye for a lot of the beginning. Rohan has a deep distrust of...well, everyone who he's not related to...and the fact that he starts the book off battling against a cyber attack on his family's business doesn't put him in a let's-meet-and-trust-a-brand-new-contractor-today! frame of mind. Lena's spent a lifetime not being able to be totally honest with anyone, so it's obvious from the beginning that these two are going to be butting heads.

And the fact that they're also fighting an attraction to each other the whole time? You know it's going to make for a delicious read!

Cross Roads keeps you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out:
- who's threatening the Blackwells and why--is it because of Rohan's past choices?
- who hired someone to steal million+ dollar art from Lena, and can they recover it before she's supposed to return it?
- what secrets is Lena hiding, and how is her past threatening her now?
and of course
- how will Lena and Rohan get to the HEA we know they richly deserve???

It absolutely did NOT disappoint on any of those points!

I am woefully behind in all of the Steele Ridge series--for some reason I've read a smattering of books from each, but not all of any of them? It's definitely nothing against the books--I have really enjoyed all that I have read, I've just been bad at keeping up. So...some of the interpersonal dynamics and inside info here were over my head, but it definitely didn't keep me from enjoying and understanding the story in the end.

Though now I have all the unreads in all 3 series in my TBR, so hopefully I can get caught up...

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Roads by Tracey Devlyn
Steele Ridge: The Blackwells #3

Exciting, multifaceted, intriguing, intense story filled with more than one mystery that needed to be solved. Great way to spend the day.

What I liked:
* Rohan: Blackwell brother, computer-tech genius, suspicious, puts family first, loves his family, falls hard for Lena
* Lena: artist, copyist, difficult backstory, orphaned young, trust issues, lost many she cared about over the years, opens up to Rohan…eventually
* Watching Rohan and Lena fall for one another while learning their backstories
* The way the Blackwell family works seamlessly together and has one another’s backs
* Getting to see the rest of the Blackwell family and finding out how they are doing
* The writing, pacing, plot, interwoven facts of the story, and the conclusion
* The women that befriended Lena
* How various mysteries were solved and that the story was completed with all questions answered and a happy ending for Lena and Rohan

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about and wondering how some people can be so evil, have so little regard for others, and be willing to take a life so easily

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received Cross Roads by Tracey Devlyn as an ARC a few weeks ago for an honest review. Why someone would give an dishonest review is beyond me.

So it's been a few weeks and numerous books since I've read Cross Roads and I have to admit that I did like the book enough to not put it down and read through it in one sitting. But there is something that I can't quite put my finger on that seems fantastical (is that a word? I'm not quite sure, if it is.) One of my favorite TV shows is White Collar so I kept picturing Rohan as Matt Bomer’s character but Rohan is a computer guy and not an art copiest, that would be Lena. I think that is where I’m getting weirdness from, by constantly subconsciously comparing the book to the TV show but there really isn't anything in common besides a crazy smart tech guy and a forger.

Lena is trying to remake herself as a legitimate artist taking on high paying clients, like the Blackwells. Lena can’t quite outrun her past and when it catches her it crossovers Rohan’s dark secrets of his past and creates a hailstorm of delicious sexual tension and intrigue.

Last thing I had a hard time grasping was Rohan’s secrets, which I'm not going to say what it is, just that it was a little much for me to comprehend for the character to have done without any inkling from his family.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CROSS ROADS" WOW!!! Buckle up this start off with a bang its an intense, riviting rollercoaster ride of suspense, angst, past secrets, steam, cyberattacks, danger, cyberterrorism, twists that has you glued to seat till finished.
Rohan is a Cybersecurity expert who looked into Angelena Kamber's background there was nothing on her before the age of 15yrs he wants know why, so he digs into her, then he has savage cyberattacked to him he tho k's the two are connected.
Layette Blackwell tells Zeke & Rohan she has a meeting with Angelena Kamber who is a successful Arts Reproduction Specialist but Rohan goes instead when she doesn't show he goes to her place only to let the theif who stole her painting out the door.
Lena had to break down & call BARS (Blackwell Asset Recovery Services to help retrieve a million
dollar painting she was copying for Senator Palmer.
Rohan & Lena work together to find the painting uncovering decades old secrets, a vengeful cyberterrorist, getting closer to one another & uncovering truths that could destroy them both.
I definitely recommend to get this will crazy thrilling story to see what happens will Rohan & Lena survive to get a HEA its a must read for sure I loved it you could nt put down with awesome characters that pull you right into all the chaos.
PHENOMINAL MUST HAVE READ 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

[Becky Burciaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Roads, the third book in the Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series by Tracey Devlyn, was an “in one-sitting/all-nighter” read.…I’ve come to expect nothing less from this series and especially from Ms. Devlyn. Her ability to draw all the players and pieces together, to entice on multiple levels, demonstrates the mastery of her craft of storytelling.

I was immediately drawn into and enthralled with Rohan and Lena’s story; the threads of multiple fluid components that were seamlessly woven together kept the pages turning, and this reader captivated as all the different elements of the bigger picture, having transpired years earlier, came together and culminated in a rather riveting ending.

The quick-witted dialog, rapid-fire banter, brotherly repartee, and multilayered relationships that have developed through the course of the series, are what make this story intriguing and what has continued to whet my appetite for more of the Blackwell family. From its onset, the Stelle Ridge series has been one that I’ve enjoyed reading multiple times...it’s just that good.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the author. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Amy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the Blackwell series! Cross Roads is an entertaining story full of mystery, intrigue, romance, drama, art, cybercrimes, and much more. I enjoy Devlyn's storytelling and the way she describes each of her scenes. Art is not something I am naturally interested in, but the way she describes Lena's art and the emotion with which it produces has me wanting to go to the closest art gallery to experience that same feeling.

Rohan isn't fond of Lena from the beginning and is naturally cautious especially considering someone targeted him around the time Lena came into his life. I had no idea how Tracey Devlyn was going to make this couple work. There were too many barriers and obstacles. Each was very guarded and skeptical. But, Devlyn stayed true to her characters and over time the layers were peeled back and we got to know them better. She made it work.

Whether you have read the Steele Ridge series or the other books in the Blackwell family, you can pick this one up and read Cross Roads independently. It's quite a story! If you are looking for an engaging romantic suspense story, give Cross Roads a read.

[Robin Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better with each new release, but each can be read as a stand-alone. Rohan is the family’s cybersecurity expert. He has a past with a group of hackers that he left a long time ago. Lena is an artist, specializing in fine arts reproductions. As part of a job the Blackwells are involved in, Rohan attempts to do a background check on Lena, but cannot find any information on her prior to when she was 15 years old. When he goes to see her, he inadvertently holds a door open for a thief who has just stolen a million dollar painting from her studio. Needless to say, their first meeting was not very pleasant. In the meantime, Lena is beginning to remember things from her childhood that have been buried. Rohan is investigating Lena, the theft and the hacking that seems to be going on in the company’s security issues. He begins to believe that they may all be connected. I read this book straight through as I couldn’t bear to put it down!

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn right into the middle of all that was happening in this riveting suspenseful romance that kept me on the edge of my seat and unable to put the book down from beginning to end. I love the Steele Ridge community and the Blackwells are a special family that I feel like I know. I enjoyed the undeniable chemistry between Rohan Blackwell, hacker turned recovery agent, and Lena Kamber, successful arts reproduction specialist who called on BARS (Blackwell Asset Recovery Services) when a million-dollar painting she is copying for a client is stolen. Rohan and Lena uncover decades old secrets, a vengeful cyberterrorist, and deadly revenge for a nail-biting thrill ride. If you enjoy well-crafted can't-put-down suspenseful romance, don't miss Cross Roads, book 3 in the Blackwells series, by gifted author Tracey Devlyn. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy for my keeper library.

[Kathy Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story to add to the Blackwell's growing saga!!

Rohan is the go-to guy for BARS's cybersecurity. When an attack on their system coincides with their mother setting up an appointment for a reproduction of artwork, Rohan is suspicious. It gets even worse when he can't find any information on the artist from her birth to her 15th year.

Lena has worked hard to get ahead in life. Her past is not something she likes to think about, as there are mysteries lying in wait for her there. But when her past raises up to block her future, she's glad she has Rohan on her side.

The twist and turns of this book kept me up late at night reading. The interconnections the characters have in this story is nothing short of a work of art in itself! There were many times I thought "Wait..what? No way!" while reading this story.

I would absolutely recommend this book to someone that likes suspenseful reads!

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cross Roads is a romantic suspense novel, and the third in the Blackwells series.
This is the story of two individuals.
Cybersecurity expert Rohan Blackwell: who had left the collective of hackers to focus on his family business. Which decision did not sit well with the collective.
And Lena Kamber: She built a successful fine arts reproduction studio after peicing together her past which is frought with one catastropy after another. Including seeing her parents die when she was just five years old, and her being kidnapped and raised by one of the kidnappers in the process.

Pro's:
Developed characters, a good story line, some intrigue, and some humor.

Con's:
Too much gratuitous profanity and an explicit scene.

This was my first book in both this series and from this author.
As most of the people I know prefer clean reads, I will not be able to recommend the book even though it was an enjoyable read.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced and highly addictive! This octane filled third book in the Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series did not disappoint and kept me entertained throughout, but there was as whole lot to wrap your head around. While the multiple side stories did add mystery depth to the main storyline, they also detracted from a cohesiveness that would have drawn the arc together a bit more. None-the-less, I enjoyed Rohan and Lena very much and look forward to more to come in the series.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that loves a suspenseful romance filled with a close knit cast of family and friends that always have each others backs as one brother after another falls for their one.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Roads is a great addition to Steele Ridge: The Blackwells series. I have enjoyed reading about all of the Blackwell family adventures. This book focuses on Rohan Blackwell, but the other members of the Blackwell family are interspersed throughout the story. Rohan and Lena have great chemistry together. I loved following them through their exploits as they unravel the mysteries to find the missing painting. The story has a perfect balance of romance and intrigue. Cross Roads is a thrilling, suspenseful story with many twists and turns to navigate. It kept me riveted to the end of the book. Tracey Devlyn has a wonderful writing style. She is very adept at describing the scenes in the book. It makes me feel like I’m right there. This is a well-written book that I highly recommend.

[Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third is the Blackwell series, although I liked Phil and Maggie in the last book, I really loved Rohan and Lena. This was such an enjoyable story as Rohan, the computer geek, hacker of the family, doesn’t want to have to deal with Lena because she has a past he can’t get into,but is very attracted to her. She is an artist who can paint an original painting and make it look exactly like the original. Senator Palmer shows up again in this book, and I hope this time he gets his comeuppance. This story had it all intrigue, suspense,romance and mystery. I think, although this is a standalone as are all Blackwell books, I loved it the most.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thrilled to have more Blackwells. I loved how structured Rohan was and how he tried to keep a tight control of himself. Lena just ticked all of his buttons. The tension for these two was perfect. I enjoyed their story. I would have only guessed one twist but coming down to the end and having a few turns and twists really made this suspense reader happy.

While this is part of a series for the Blackwell family that was first part of the Steele Ridge family, it was completely stand alone. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by not reading all of the other books in the series. However, you’ll want to get those too.

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracey Devlyn delivers once again with another Blackwells hit. It checks all the boxes, suspense, romance, and action. I loved Rohan and Lena’s pairing. As the story evolves, we learn so much about their pasts and how it has shaped them both. I really wanted to savor their story but ended up devouring it. If this is your first time reading a Blackwells book, I highly recommend the first two in the series (Flash Point and Smoke Screen (Adrienne Giordano) as well as the Steele Ridge series which features the Blackwells’ cousins.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the Blackwell clan! Always an exciting read when one of the brothers gets his own story, and yet they all come to the surface throughout the book in one way or another. This book was definitely a page turner and left you guessing, as both Rohan and Lena had interesting and secretive backstories that needed to be told to understand where they were coming from, and why they had such a hard time trusting people. If you love the Blackwells and the Steeles, you'll want to add this book to your night table!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Copy for Review

Former hacker now cyber detective in his family security business investigates a mysterious artist. He is determined to prove that she is not who seems.

He will be drawn to her but as he gets closer her secrets will start to be exposed placing them in danger. Will they have a chance to be together or will her past come back to haunt them?

A thrilling suspense that continues the Steel Ridge saga.

[Cindy Reifel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cybersecurity expert Rohan Blackwell is setting up a job when he questions the background check on a fine art reproduction expert. Lena Kamber is one of the best in her field, but she has a long history of mistakes made because of her terrible childhood.
The first half of this book was a bit too slow, which is why I'm giving it 4 stars.
However, the last half definitely makes up for that and more!
Action packed, non stop, gives you all the feels, premium ride!!
And, the ending===PERFECT!!!

[Lisa Guertin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lena is an art forger trying to go straight and Rohan is a former hacker working in the Blackwell family recovery business. While very different in many ways, these two are meant for each other. All Rohan has to do is convince Lena to stop running and to take a chance on love. This is such a great book. I really enjoyed the various Blackwell family members and friends. The mystery had an interesting twist and an extremely satisfying ending.

[Dawn Cruikshank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross Roads

OMG! Tracey has done a FANTASTIC job on this story. It is about Lena and Rohan. It's about the computer geek and the artist. Lena has definitely not had a terribly happy life. The Blackwells hire Lena to paint a picture of an original and then all hell breaks loose. The story just gets more intense as we learn more about Lena. The ending is a surprise in and of itself. FANTASTIC job Tracey! I couldn't put the book down. I would highly recommend this book!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride. It is like three stories in one. Rohan has done some things in his life that he isn't proud of. The same goes for Lena. They are both trying to do better things with their lives, but that past has come back to haunt them. They aren't sure if it's his past or her past that is haunting them now, but they have to figure it out fast. Can they do it and will they live through it?

[Gail Chianese · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delcious suspense filled with secrets, lies and more twists and turns than a roller coaster that kept the pages turning. I loved every minute with these two characters as they traveled on their journey, fighting the bad guys and their attraction to each other. Throw in the fabulous support cast with the complicated family dynamics and friendships, and it was a perfect read for me.

[Colleen C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Pasts Catch Up To Them...
This was good, so good! This is definitely in my top faves of all of the books in the Steele Ridge series! I loved all of the twists and turns this book takes you on! So well written. I just had to read it in one sitting!

[Tami Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rohan & Lena wow what a great addition to this series! Mystery & romance , intriguing all around. I adore this family and can not wait to see what’s next. The story that weaves around Lena is just wow all around then add in Rohan’s part , weaved in just amazing!

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Art theft, a copiest, cyber terrorism and more. Criminals in the art world is a genre I can get on board with. Secrets, suspense and the complications of the past all make for a nuanced story. I enjoyed it.

[Barbara Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This story has danger,suspence, twist and turns keeping you turning the pages to read what happens next until the very last page,looking forward to reading more books from this author

[Joy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracey Devlin is a new author for me and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There is a female artist with a mysterious past, murders and romance. Well worth reading.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Cross Roads. This is another delightful addition to the Steele Ridge series following the Blackwell family. The plot has some great twists and the romance between Rohan and Lena is layered as they overcome their vulnerabilities and outside forces to realize they belong together. And we get to meet former characters from the previous books as they help Rohan and Lena stop a cyberterrorist. Be ready to read this action packed story without stopping until the last page!

[Gretchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rohan and Lena were very interesting characters to read. Once the tangled web comes undone, it is a beautifully intricate story. I really enjoyed reading this one.